work search and career development blog

What is a Green Job?

This blog is the first part in a 3 part series relating to Green Jobs.

Industry experts, educators and governments are all ‘talking-up’ the green economy. Has there been a single post-secondary educational institution in Ontario who hasn’t started, revised or expanded a certificate, diploma or degree in this field?

If you read the material presented by industry associations; the people who mow our grass, remove our trash or drive a bus all work at ‘green jobs’.

Political leaders across the western world point to this new economic sector in hopes that it will help alleviate the high levels of un-employment and under employment.

Peter Blanchard, the founder and publisher of the popular website Goodwork Canada (www.goodworkcanda.ca), has a simple definition. “A green job is any job or self-employment that genuinely contributes to a more sustainable world.”

There are some new occupations in the green economy. Eco-energy auditors evaluate your home and help qualify you for government grants to improve energy efficiency. Carbon auditors help measure greenhouse gas emissions. Solar panel installers are busy with people taking advantage of the Ontario government’s incentive program.

Many traditional jobs are changing to include green responsibilities. Buyers may want to source green products for their firms. Those in the hospitality industry may want to use local food. A household cleaning service will only use environmentally responsible products. An administrative assistant may work in the office of a consulting firm who helps market green products.

If you are concerned about the environment and would like to make a difference, this may be one avenue to investigate.

Mike Fellowes is a Continuing Education Student currently studying within the Career Consultant Certificate Program at Mohawk College. MCACES offers a comprehensive Employment Advisement program for our students. For more information about Employment Advisement, please visit the MCACES website, www.mcaces.ca or contact Lidia Siino, Employment & Communications Specialist at Lidia.siino@mohawkcollege.ca.